A.J. PUK NEWS

No closer named yet Arizona manager Torey Lovullo may not name a closer before the start of the regular season, leaving Puk, Justin Martinez and Kevin Ginkel as candidates to earn saves, Alex Weiner o...

Impact Lovullo insists that his preference is to have one primary closer, but he feels all three candidates are throwing the ball well. He wants to take more time, possibly into the regular season, to evaluate options. Lovullo also mentioned Joe Mantiply while musing on various matchup scenarios for the late innings.

MARCH 20 • ROTOWIRE

Throws scoreless inning Puk walked one and struck out one over a scoreless inning in Monday's split-squad game against the Angels.

Impact Arizona had its top two closer candidates working in separate split-squad games Monday. Both Puk and Justin Martinez worked scoreless innings, and both have pitched worthy of being the team's primary closer to start the regular season. Puk owns a 1.50 ERA with three walks and nine strikeouts over six Cactus League innings. Martinez has the same number of walks and strikeouts over the same number of frames but a 4.50 ERA thanks to one bad outing. Settling on a closer is one of the items on manager Torey Lovullo's to-do list in the final week of spring training.

MARCH 18 • ROTOWIRE

Continues blemish-free spring Puk allowed one hit and struck out two over one scoreless inning in Saturday's spring game against the Reds.

Impact Puk worked a scoreless fifth inning and has yet to allow a run over four Cactus League innings. He's given up two hits and two walks while striking out five. The left-hander was followed by righty Justin Martinez, who gave up three runs over a third of an inning. The two are considered co-closers and expected to get save opportunities this season.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE

Manager fine with lefty closer Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said earlier this month that Puk being left-handed "wouldn't be an issue for me" when considering his options for closer, Jack Sommers of Arizona...

Impact The other two Arizona closer candidates -- Justin Martinez and Kevin Ginkel -- are both righties, which is the handedness managers sometimes prefer in their ninth-inning man. However, it does not appear that will factor into Lovullo's decision. Puk was dominant for the Diamondbacks last season after being acquired via trade, posting a 1.32 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 43:5 K:BB over 27.1 innings.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Part of closer auditions Puk struck out two over a scoreless third inning in Tuesday's spring game against the Cubs.

Impact Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo trotted out his three potential closers Tuesday, with Puk's inning sandwiched by Kevin Ginkel (second inning) and Justin Martinez (fourth). All three pitched scoreless frames. Martinez was the primary closer over the final two months but had a shaky September and walked more than four batters per nine innings. Meanwhile, Puk was electric after being acquired at the trade deadline, posting a 1.32 ERA and 0.73 WHIP with two saves over 30 outings with Arizona.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Inks deal for 2025 Puk agreed to a one-year, $2.95 million contract with the Diamondbacks on Thursday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Postreports.

Impact The left-hander began 2024 in the rotation for Miami but suffered a shoulder injury and was shifted back to the bullpen before being traded to Arizona. Puk finished the campaign with a 3.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 88:28 K:BB over 71.1 innings and should be a factor in the late innings for Diamondbacks, though Justin Martinez is expected to open 2025 as the favorite for saves.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Collects third save Puk gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his third save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Brewers.

Impact A Diamondbacks reliever hadn't recorded a traditional save since Sept. 3, but with the team protecting a three-run lead Friday, Justin Martinez got deployed in the seventh inning to face the heart of the Brewers' order, while Ryan Thompson got the eighth and Puk handled the ninth. If Martinez is moving into a highest-leverage role rather than being held back for the ninth, it could open up a save chance or two over the final week of the season for Puk, who is on an impressive roll -- he's hasn't been tagged for a run since Aug. 2, posting a 0.53 WHIP and 34:3 K:BB over his last 20.2 innings with two saves and five holds.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Winds up with save Puk picked up the save Sunday against Pittsburgh, striking out one during two-thirds of a perfect inning.

Impact Puk took over with runners on the corners and one out after Ryan Thompson yielded an RBI single to Bryan Reynolds to bring the Pirates within one run. Puk got the Diamondbacks out of the jam, retiring Oneil Cruz and Bryan De La Cruz to end the game and pick up his first save for Arizona. With Paul Sewald being removed from the closing role, it's been Thompson who's received the first two save chances. However, Thompson has allowed a run in both appearances, which could open the door for Puk to see some ninth-inning work.

AUGUST 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Pitches in sixth inning Puk allowed one run on three hits over a third of an inning in Friday's 9-8 win over the Pirates.

Impact Puk entered to clean up a mess made by Kevin Ginkel in the sixth inning but couldn't prevent the Pirates from taking the lead. Both Puk and Ginkel were speculated as options to close out games after manager Torey Lovullo announced earlier in the day that Paul Sewald would no longer be the club's closer. Ryan Thompson eventually closed out the win after Arizona retook the lead, but Lovullo, who did not specifically name a replacement for Sewald, trusts all three of those relievers.

AUGUST 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Opening for saves Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the favorites for save opportunities after Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona...

Impact Puk has recorded a hold and has five strikeouts in three scoreless appearances since being acquired by Arizona last week, and the closer role is now open after Sewald's rough July. Lovullo didn't name a replacement, but Puk and the right-handed Ginkel are the likeliest candidates to take over. Ryan Thompson could also be involved.

AUGUST 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Makes Arizona debut Puk allowed one walk and struck out one over a scoreless eighth inning in Saturday's 9-5 win over the Pirates.

Impact Puk made his debut for the Diamondbacks after being acquired from the Marlins on Thursday. He becomes the second lefty out of the bullpen along with Joe Mantiply, who typically gets opponents' toughest lefties. Puk will join other setup arms, like Kevin Ginkel, Justin Martinez and Ryan Thompson.

JULY 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Headed to D-Backs Puk was traded from the Marlins to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Deyvison De Los Santos and Andrew Pintar on Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Impact Puk has been dominant as a reliever this season, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.76 WHIP with a 33:6 K:BB in 30.1 innings. He'll provide needed fortification to the back of the Diamondbacks bullpen, as Paul Sewald has struggled for much of July. It's unclear if Puk will immediately slot into the closer role, but that is certainly a possibility.

JULY 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Credited with fourth win Puk (4-8) earned the win Tuesday over the Orioles, striking out three over two perfect innings.

Impact Puk has been excellent since returning to Miami's bullpen -- the left-hander hasn't allowed a run in his last 16.2 innings, posting a stellar 0.42 WHIP while striking out 25 in that span. With Tanner Scott expected to be moved at the trade deadline, Puk would seemingly be the favorite to take over the closer role. He's lowered his ERA to 4.30 on the season with a 1.34 WHIP and 45:23 K:BB across 44 innings.

JULY 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starts up rehab assignment Puk (shoulder) made the second appearance of his rehab assignment with the Marlins' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate Monday, striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Impact Puk has turned in identical two-strikeout perfect innings in the FCL since he started up his rehab assignment Friday. The left-hander broke camp as a member of the Miami rotation, but after turning in a 9.22 ERA and 2.63 WHIP over his four starts before landing on the injured list April 20 with shoulder fatigue, he'll work out of the bullpen once the Marlins activate him. Puk could settle into a high-leverage role in front of closer Tanner Scott right away upon his return to the big club.

MAY 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Returning to bullpen once healthy Manager Skip Schumaker said Wednesday that Puk (shoulder) will pitch out of the bullpen upon his return from the 15-day injured list, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Impact Miami's rotation recently got back Edward Cabrera and could soon add Braxton Garrett (shoulder), so Puk will shift back to a relief role once he's recovered from the shoulder fatigue. The left-hander went 0-4 with a 9.22 ERA and 12:17 K:BB over 13.2 frames in four starts, so the move isn't a major surprise. Puk primarily worked as the Marlins' closer last season and had 15 saves with a 3.97 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 78:13 K:BB across 56.2 innings, but he'll likely need to be eased back into a high-leverage role after his disastrous run in the rotation.

APRIL 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to start Thursday Puk (illness) will start Thursday against the Cubs, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Impact Puk's start had to be pushed back a couple times because he was under the weather, but he's feeling better and played catch at LoanDepot Park on Wednesday. The left-hander has really struggled in his first three outings this season, putting up a 5.91 ERA and 8:14 K:BB over 10.2 innings of work.

APRIL 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles again vs. Angels Puk (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over four innings against the Angels. He struck out five.

Impact Puk's transition to a starting pitcher hasn't gone according to plan thus far -- the 28-year-old left-hander has allowed eight runs (six earned) through just six innings in his first two starts. While Puk has had success out of the bullpen in the majors, the Marlins seem set on having him remain in the rotation, at least while Braxton Garrett (shoulder), Edward Cabrera (shoulder) and Eury Perez (elbow) are sidelined. Puk's currently lined up for a tough road matchup versus the Yankees in his next outing.

APRIL 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Brilliant spring continues Puk struck out six over 3.1 scoreless innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals. He allowed five hits and a walk.

Impact The 28-year-old southpaw has yet to make a start during his big-league career, with all 142 of his appearances to date coming in relief, but Puk is making a very compelling case to begin the season in the Marlins' rotation. He's delivered a 15:4 K:BB through 8.1 spring innings with a 0.00 ERA, and his emergence makes it easier for the team to give Braxton Garrett (shoulder) the time he needs to get 100 percent healthy, rather than pushing him to be ready for Opening Day. If Puk carries his spring success into the regular season, he could be hard to dislodge from a starting role, but he also hasn't thrown more than 66.1 innings in a season since 2017, when he was working his way through the Oakland system.

MARCH 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Settles with Miami at $1.8 million The Marlins and Puk avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.8 million contract Thursday, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact It was Puk's first year of arbitration eligibility. The left-hander saved 15 games while posting a 3.97 ERA and 78:13 K:BB over 56.2 innings in 2023. The Marlins plan to send Puk to camp as a starter, but the odds of him returning to relief would appear high.

JANUARY 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns playoff-clinching win Puk (7-5) earned the win Saturday against the Pirates, allowing one run on three hits over two innings while striking out three. He did not issue any walks.

Impact Puk entered the game in the bottom of the fourth and struck out two of the first four batters he faced to get through the inning. However, the lefty reliever got himself into trouble in the fifth after surrendering a leadoff double to Ke'Bryan Hayes to open the frame, which would lead to one run coming across for the Pirates. Fortunately for Puk, the Marlins' offense would come through with two runs in the bottom of the inning, helping him secure his seventh win of the season as Miami clinched only its fourth playoff berth in franchise history. It marked the second time this season in which Puk went for two innings and he's now allowed multiple hits in three of his last four appearances.

OCTOBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Collects first hold Puk walked one and struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning Sunday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the Nationals.

Impact The Marlins removed David Robertson from the closer role this weekend, just as they did with Puk about a month ago, but rather than turn back to the southpaw in the ninth, Tanner Scott got the save chance Sunday and converted it. Puk has regained his form, however -- over 10 appearances since his last blown save July 30, he's posted a 0.93 ERA, 0.52 WHIP and 16:1 K:BB through 9.2 innings. Should Scott falter down the stretch, Puk could get another chance to close for Miami before the season is done.

AUGUST 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Locks down 16th save Puk picked up the save in Friday's 6-5 victory over the Tigers. He allowed one run on two hits and zero walks while striking out three over one inning.

Impact Puk allowed two hits and a run before ultimately earning his 16th save by striking out the side in the ninth. The left-hander had secured just one of his last four save chances and had given up nine runs over his last seven outings (6.1 innings), so while Friday's performance wasn't perfect, it was still a step in the right direction. Nonetheless, despite the bounce-back night, Puk will likely see fewer save chances moving forward, as Miami made a splash ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring veteran closer David Robertson from the Mets.

JULY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Blows another save Puk blew the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rockies. He allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning.

Impact Puk surrendered a game-tying solo homer to Randal Grichuk in the ninth inning, marking Puk's fifth blown save of 2023 and his third in his last four opportunities. Though manager Skip Schumaker said Friday that Puk would remain the Marlins' closer for the time being. Sunday's blown save could be enough for Schumaker to try out other options at closer. If that were to be the case, Tanner Scott would likely be the first in line for save opportunities considering his recent success and overall 2.81 ERA through 48 innings.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remaining closer for now Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said Friday that Puk will remain the team's closer for the time being, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact Puk served up a walk-off home run in extra innings in his last appearance and has an 11.12 ERA so far in July. Meanwhile, Tanner Scott has been one of the best relievers in baseball for a while now. Schumaker is sticking with Puk in the ninth inning for now, though, with Scott being used in high-leverage spots earlier in games.

JULY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Serves up walk-off homer Puk (4-4) was charged with the loss Tuesday against the Cardinals after he gave up three runs (two earned) on one hit and one walk over two-thirds of an inning.

Impact The 28-year-old was called upon in the bottom of the 10th inning to maintain a 2-2 tie, but Nolan Arenado tagged him for a three-run homer to win it for St. Louis. It's the third time in Puk's past five outings that he's allowed multiple runs, including three long balls. The left-hander had a 2.08 ERA in his first 22 appearances with 10 saves in 11 chances during that stretch, but he's surrendered 11 runs with three losses and three blown saves in his last 10 appearances.

JULY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE